From the pages of the Down Recorder, July 4, 1972

From the pages of the Down Recorder, July 4, 1972

4 July 2012

KILLOUGH — Members of Killough Village Committee are angry at what they term delay and inaction by various statutory bodies. At this week’s meeting, at which Mr. E. Nelson presided, several voices protested at the delay in constructing the long-awaited car park near the harbour in Quay Lane.

County Council excuses had ranged from lack of finance and difficulty in establishing ownership of the site to one of awaiting the construction of a car park at Rossglass where the rubble from the proposed Killough car park could be used as filling!

“We will wait,” said one member, “until some child is hurt in that tangle briars and crumbling walls. Then you’ll see the speed at which something is done.”

The committee felt that its efforts to improve the appearance and amenities of the village were always being frustrated by a stock official answer — difficulty in establishing who owns what. Thus the quay that should be one of the village’s prime attractions had now crumbled into a state of decay.

CASTLEWELLAN — Over 10,000 people are expected to throng the market town of Castlewellan for the local celebrations of the 282nd anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne. Almost eighty lodges and bands from five districts and the Castlewellan Lodge — this year’s hosts — have put in quite an amount of work to ensure that the occasion is a memorable one.

Districts expected to appear include Ballynahinch, Castlewellan, Saintfield, Comber and Lecale. The parade will assemble in a field off the Newcastle Road and the procession is expected to move off around 12.30. It will be headed by County officers and will make its way to the demonstration field off the Drumbuck Road where the platform proceedings will commence at 2pm.

DOWNPATRICK — Two members of Downpatrick Primary School said goodbye to their pupils for the last time on Friday. Mrs. H. S. McMurray, who has been teaching in primary schools in Downpatrick for thirty years is now retiring from the profession. Another member of staff, Mrs. I. E. Adams, is leaving to take up a teaching post in Dundrum.

The school principal, Mr. W. Nesbitt, paying tribute to their work, said both teachers had at all times displayed a keen sense of duty. Throughout their careers they had shown patience, sympathy, understanding and kindness. Presentations were made by Diana Muldrew, Linda Orr, Heather Cousins, Elaine Ferguson, Alister McComb and Norman Steel.

DUNDRUM — Dundrum branch of the East Down Tenants and Community Needs Association have reiterated their call to members to withhold rent increases until further notice. At a recent meeting they also stressed the need for effective repairs both inside and outside dwellings and agreed to seek advice regarding heavy lorries using estates.

It was mentioned that in some instances lorry drivers had to bring their vehicles on to the pavements and members felt this could prove dangerous to children and senior citizens.

NEWCASTLE — There was a record entry for Newcastle South Promenade committee’s fifth annual sports day at Donard Park last week. Competition was at its usual high pitch, but particular interest centred on the outcome of the over 50s race at the harbour. Richard Rooney proved the fittest of the veterans to take first prize and a plaque donated by Chief Inspector Robert Smyth. Prior to the sports events committee members made their way to Mourne House where the Ulster Dairy Princess presented on their behalf a cake and proceeds of a raffle to residents.

BISHOPSCOURT — RAF Bishopscourt’s commanding officer was found dead near the Hare’s Gap in the Mourne Mountains on Friday. With him were a dead dog and a note. Wing Commander Peter Cock had been missing from his unit for two days. Police have ruled out any question of foul play.

BALLYNAHINCH — A free fall parachute demonstration is to take place in Ballynahinch on July 13 and should prove a major attraction for people from all over County Down. The jump will be performed by members of the Black Knights Parachute Team and will take place during a fete organised by Ballynahinch Rugby Club. Other attractions at the fete include work stalls, teas, cakes, children’s sports, tombola and dozens of other attractions for the family.

SAINTFIELD — Mrs. Winifred McBriar, of Carsonstown, Saintfield, will soon be having a ‘freeze-in’ when she starts using the food freezer which she won as first prize in the Ulster Dairy competition. Mrs. McBriar will be able to store all sorts of frozen foods, including complete meals which can be cooked beforehand. The competition was organised at Balmoral Show by the Milk Marketing Board.

KILLINCHY — Police have appealed to the public in their search for two dogs suspected of carrying out a spate of sheep worrying in the area. The animals thought to be responsible are a collie and an Alsatian which has several medallions on its collar. Worst hit by the sheep worrying is farmer James McIlveen, of Ballybunden Road, Killinchy, who has had 35 lambs killed.

KILLYLEAGH — A new banner for Toye Purple Banner LOL 1077 was unfurled at The Showgrounds, Killyleagh, on Friday night. A minute’s silence was observed and tributes paid to the late Mr. John H. Wightman, who had acted as chairman at banner unfurling ceremonies throughout Lecale for many years.